Andrew "Skev" Soltis

Andrew (Andy) A. "Skev" Soltis passed away peacefully on May 31, 2019, at the age of 90, with his family by his side. Andy was born in New Britain, on Aug. 7, 1928, to Anna (Svitana) and John Soltis. He was raised in New Britain, attended local schools and was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from CCSU (formerly known as the Teacher's College of Connecticut), with a bachelor's degree in education. He began his career at Washington Junior High School in New Britain, teaching history and government, which were always his passions. Andy went on to obtain his master's degree from the University of Connecticut and became a guidance counselor at New Britain High School. He ended his career at NBHS as chairman of the guidance department. Andy was the faculty manager of athletics for NBHS and enjoyed this role for many years. He can also be credited with naming the NBHS store, "Cane's Corner." He retired from NBHS in 1989. After Ingrid's passing, Andy took a position as a guidance counselor for the New Britain adult education program. He considered this to be the most rewarding work of his career. He also volunteered as a tour guide at the state capital.
Andy was predeceased by his loving wife of 41 years, Ingrid, his brother, John Soltis, sisters, Mary Cayer, and Catherine Petruff, brothers and sister-in-law, Alfred (Buddy) Cayer, Carmen Mottola, Arthur LaMontagne, and Pauline Soltis.
Andy is survived by his daughter and spouse, Mary-Joan and Charles Forstbauer of New Britain; his son and spouse, David and Laura Soltis of Holmdel, N.J.; and grandchildren, Lauren Forstbauer and spouse, Curtis Elfinbiner, Lindsay and spouse, Nader Hendawi, Sharon Forstbauer, Amanda Soltis, David Soltis; and great-grandson, Andrew Bryant; sisters, Anne Lamontagne, and Margaret Mottola, and brother-in-law, Francis Petruff. He also leaves many nieces and nephews along with family in Slovakia that he kept in contact with over the years.
Andy and Ingrid raised their family in Plainville. Andy has lived at Atria in Farmington, for the last few years.
Andy was grateful for many things in his life and wanted to share these in his obituary. First, he was grateful for his parents' courage in emigrating from Slovakia to the United States, giving him U.S. citizenship and the many gifts that came with this; and a set of values that taught him right from wrong. He was also grateful to the U.S. government in that, because of his service in the U.S. Army in Korea, he was able to attend college under the G.I. Bill. He is thankful for his rewarding career that gave him the opportunity to work with many wonderful people at Washington and New Britain High schools and in the adult education program. Most importantly, he blesses the day he met Ingrid who gave him a wonderful marriage, children, and grandchildren.
Andy and his family would like to thank all of the staff at Atria for their continued care and concern; thanks to his aide at the end of his life, Joseph; and to his wonderful, compassionate hospice nurse, Laura. We would also like to give special thanks to his longtime aide, Renette, her compassion, loving care, dedication, and sense of humor helped Andy through good and bad days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Ingrid at www.act.alz.org or the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org.
Family and friends may gather in celebration of Andy's life on Saturday, June 22, 2019, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St., Plainville. Words of Remembrance will be shared at 11 a.m. Committal services with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.plainvillefuneralhome.com.